Three Years

Tonight marks the three-year anniversary of Chapter One, the event that started it all for Taylor's Tale. On the night of February 9, 2007, less than seven months removed from Taylor's crushing diagnosis, my family told our story publicly for the first time to about 160 guests in the home of two very kind friends, Leslie and Bruce Schlernitzauer. As we turned the last pages of Chapter One, the people there to share it with us joined the fight to cure Batten disease by donating nearly $40,000 to the cause. I still remember the feeling of hope that washed over me as the last guests departed and I discovered the extent of the evening's success.

Three years later, we're a 17-month old public charity. Seven of the dedicated women who helped make Chapter One happen - who were there starting with the very first steering committee meeting - sit on our board of directors today. The research project that was launched as a result of Chapter One is in its third year of funding and making exciting history in the effort to cure infantile Batten disease. Taylor's smiles and laughter still brighten the days of those who know and love her. And we are still fighting. Whether you've been with us from the very beginning, have stood by us in the past or have yet to write your own chapter of Taylor's Tale, the mere fact that you're reading this now helps me BELIEVE for the future.

Click on the links below to read other historical Chapter One-related posts and view photos of the night that inspired a movement.

Year Two Reflections Blog Post

Chapter One Blog Post

Chapter One Event Summary and Photos

We Need Your Words

Taylor's Tale has a brand new Web site! Check it out here. 

When our original site launched in January 2007, I was still relatively new to the world of Batten disease. We had never had a fundraiser. Our new steering committee had met only once.  My family had never publicly spoken about Taylor's illness. Though her eyes had already begun to fail her, Taylor still had days when she could see. 

In those early days, I didn't have a firm grasp of our situation or any grand ideas for beating the odds. In fact, there were only two things of which I was completely certain: 1) my sister was born with a fatal disease and 2) to have a chance to save her life, we had to tell her story. So that's what I've tried to do.

Taylor's Tale, the organization, began on February 9, 2007, the evening of Chapter One, when my family and I stood surrounded by 160-odd friends and spoke candidly about the cards we were dealt and how we were going to play them. Taylor's Tale, the story, began the day my little sister was born in 1998. And since the ink dried on the pages of Chapter One, Taylor's Tale has been a story written by committee. The words for a story like T's can't be found in the mind or the heart of just one. The happy ending will require your words as well as mine.  

So, take a look at the new site. Read our story for the first time or get reacquainted with T and our efforts to save her life and the lives of others like her. Find out how you can help write the next chapter of Taylor's Tale. There are so many who, like T, need our support to see their dreams come true.